Reports on a survey of religious vocation awareness education. Lists common strategies and materials that may be used to reverse the trend away from religious careers and reviews selected diocesan religious vocation awareness programs. (DMM)

Describes a survey conducted by the National Catholic Education Association on how to better serve the needs of religious teachers, catechists, and those involved in faith formation. Reports that, according to 655 respondents (46% response rate), the most important initiatives are those related to catechesis; items related to standards and…

Reports on a survey of 111 classroom volunteers in nine Catholic elementary schools. Finds that most volunteers: (1) were female, age 36 or older; (2) worked between 80-200 hours each year in a first grade classroom; and (3) were not employed and had earned at least a bachelor's degree. (CJW)

Highlights 1989 findings from an ongoing national study of the characteristics, functions, responsibilities, attitudes, and educational needs of parish directors of religious education. (DMM)

Summarizes findings from the "National Study Regarding At-Risk Students." Discusses the role of Catholic religious educators and pastoral ministers working in rural areas. Suggests that they seek individual ministry opportunities, target the individual rather than the group, see religious education through the lens of the family, and develop…

Describes Notre Dame High School's (California) integrated bioethics course, which contains units on basic concepts of goals, rights, and duty ethics; reproductive technologies; genetic technologies; death and dying; behavior modification; and experiments with human subjects. Provides a bibliography of student and teacher materials. (DMM)

William McCready of the National Opinion Research Center discusses findings of his survey of American and Canadian Catholic youth (ages 14-30) on their attitudes toward religious vocations, membership in Catholic organizations, and their religious education. (Author/SJL)

Describes a study of graduate students in pastoral ministries and religious education who are not seminarians. Reviews findings related to students' demographics and background, previous work experience, and future goals and describes practical issues related to undertaking graduate studies. Indicates that a majority of the students hoped to work…

Presents findings from a 1988 survey of first year Catholic school teachers in the Omaha archdiocese. Considers teacher characteristics, teachers' preparation to teach religion and model religious values, problems in the transition from college to teaching, and the need for staff development. Discusses implications of the findings. (PAA)

Reviews studies of the characteristics of Catholic high school teachers; differences between religious' and layteachers' perceptions of the role of Catholic school teachers; and instructors' concerns with the purpose and staffing of Catholic high schools. Discusses the schools' dual purposes of academic development and faith formation. (DMM)

Offers a status report on four National Catholic Education Association projects funded by the Knights of Columbus: the Christian Formation of Catholic Educators; the Religious Education Outcomes Inventory and Religious Education Outcomes Inventory of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Analysis; a survey of Catholic high school students and their…

States that, due to teacher shortages, diocesan leaders and teacher shortage commissions are collaborating in order to recruit new educators. Lists resources for attracting teachers, such as offering them financial perks and portable retirement benefits, mentoring future teachers, working with area colleges to place student teachers in Catholic…

In April, 1978, students from five high schools operated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Louisiana and Mississippi responded to an 80-item questionnaire. This article discusses the survey's major findings on school environment, student/staff relationships, religious training, discipline policy, and student misbehavior. (Author/SJL)

Reviews findings from the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education Surveys regarding students' perceptions about the schools (whether public or private) which they attend full time. Reports more positive attitudes about teachers and courses, but more negativity about discipline among students attending Catholic schools. (DMM)

Discusses the salaries provided to principals, superintendents, and elementary/secondary teachers in Catholic schools. Points out that the national average salary for a Catholic elementary school teacher with a bachelor's degree is $19,047, compared with a public elementary school teacher's salary of $41,351. Offers strategies for improving…